Dripless filter assembly and method for servicing a filtration apparatus with the same

ABSTRACT

A fluid filter assembly of a filtration system is described. The filter assembly described includes a cover member and a filter cartridge having at least one filter element and a plate member. The plate member includes a seal surface on one side facing the cover member, and a seal surface on another side facing away from the cover member. The seal surface facing the cover member is configured to seal with the cover member, and the seal surface facing away from the cover member configured to seal with another component of the filtration system. The assembly provides a structure that can retain a seal between sealing surfaces of the cover and the filter cartridge, at least while the fluid filter assembly is being serviced, so as to at least minimize fluid dripping and leakage.

FIELD

A fluid filter assembly is disclosed, which can facilitate filtrationsystem servicing. A filter assembly is disclosed with a seal andretention configuration that may at least minimize dripping and leakage,while the filter assembly is being serviced.

BACKGROUND

Fluid filters are widely known and used. After a period of time andusage, many fluid filters undergo wear, and eventually must have theirfilter element(s) serviced and/or replaced. Many fluid filters also havemultiple parts that must be removed in order to access the filterelement(s).

However, many fluid filters are structured to be relatively disposed inlow tolerance areas having rather tight fits, so that such fluid filtersoccupy a minimal amount of space. As a result, servicing such fluidfilters and replacing their filter element(s) can be difficult. Forexample, servicing the fluid filter has involved moving or removingsurrounding components of an engine and other parts of the fluid filterto gain access to the filter element(s). Furthermore, servicing has beenknown to be messy due to such spatial constraints and dripping has beenknown to occur when removing the fluid filter to replace the filterelement(s). Thus, improvements can still be made to existing fluidfilters and to existing fluid filter servicing processes.

SUMMARY

The following technical disclosure describes an improved fluid filterassembly for a filtration system and that can improve a method forservicing a fluid filter. The filter assembly described herein includessealing and retention features, which are configured to retain a coverand filter cartridge together at least during removal of the filterassembly for servicing of a filter element of the cartridge, and whichare configured to maintain a seal between sealing surfaces thereof, suchthat fluid dripping and leakage may be minimized.

Some benefits of a fluid filter assembly as described herein can includeproviding a cleaner and more efficient method of servicing, wheredripping and/or leakage can be prevented or at least minimized, andwhere easier access can be obtained.

In one embodiment, a filter assembly of a filtration system includes acover member and a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge includes atleast one filter element, where the filter element is configured to bedisposed on a plate member. The cover member is configured to cover thefilter cartridge. The filter element is disposed between the platemember and the cover member. The plate member includes a seal surfacedisposed on one side facing the cover member, and a seal surfacedisposed on another side facing away from the cover member. The sealsurface facing the cover member is configured to seal with a sealsurface of the cover member, and the seal surface facing away from thecover member is configured to seal with another component of afiltration system.

In one embodiment, a filter assembly includes at least one retentionmember disposed on the seal plate. The retention member is configured toconnect and disconnect the filter cartridge to and from the covermember. The retention member is configured to retain the filtercartridge to the cover member and to retain a seal between the sealsurfaces of the plate member and the cover member.

In another embodiment, connecting members are disposed on the covermember. The connecting members are configured to connect or disconnectthe filter assembly to a component of a filtration system. The retentionmember is further configured to retain the filter cartridge to the covermember and to retain the seal between the seal surfaces of the platemember and the cover member, independent any connecting or disconnectingoperation of the connecting members.

In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are respectively disposed on theplate member and proximate an outer perimeter of the seal plate. In yetanother embodiment, the seal surfaces are respectively disposed onopposite major surfaces of the plate member.

In another embodiment, a method of servicing a fluid filter of afiltration system includes removing a filter assembly having a cover anda filter cartridge from a filtration system, the filter cartridgeincluding a used filter element. The cover is disconnected from thefilter cartridge. The filter cartridge and used filter element isreplaced with a new filter cartridge and new filter element. The coveris connected to the new filter cartridge having the new filter element,and the filter assembly having the new filter element is connected tothe filtration system. The step of removing the filter assembly furtherincludes retaining a seal between a sealing surface of the cover and asealing surface of the filter cartridge, at least while the filterassembly is being removed, so as to at least minimize fluid leakage anddripping through the sealing surfaces.

In one embodiment, retaining the seal between the sealing surfaces ofthe cover and filter cartridge includes sealing a plate member of thefilter cartridge to the cover using a seal member disposed on the platemember, while removing the filter assembly.

In another embodiment, connecting the cover to the new filter cartridgehaving the new filter element includes resealing the sealing surfaces ofthe filter cartridge and the cover, and where replacing the filterassembly includes sealing the filter cartridge with the filtrationsystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fluid filterassembly connected to an example of a volume containing equipment of afiltration system.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the fluid filter assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the fluid filter assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a side partial sectional view of the fluid filter assembly ofFIG. 1 and taken proximate the left end of the fluid filter assembly asshown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is a side partial section view of the fluid filter assembly ofFIG. 1 and taken proximate the right end of the fluid filter assembly asshown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4C is a perspective partial sectional view of the fluid filterassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fluid filtercartridge of the fluid filter assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the fluid filter cartridge shown in FIG. 5 ofthe fluid filter assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the fluid filter cartridge shown in FIG. 5 ofthe fluid filter assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a cover of the fluid filterassembly.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid filterassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The fluid filters described herein can generally provide an improvedstructure for servicing a filter element of the fluid filter that canmaintain a seal during removal thereof, such that fluid dripping andleakage may be minimized. For example, a fluid filter assembly isdescribed that includes a cover and a filter cartridge with sealing andretention features. The sealing and retention features are configured toretain the cover and filter cartridge together at least during removalof the filter assembly for replacement of a filter element of thecartridge. The fluid filter assembly may be useful, for example, in avariety of filtration systems for engines, such as but not limited tooil filtration. In some cases, the fluid filter assembly 10 describedherein may be employed in such known combustion engines having turbocapability, and the assembly 10 may be used to separate air from oil,aerosol, and mass particulate, so that clean air may be delivered or“breath” back to an air inlet duct port, such as a turbo inlet duct.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one embodiment of a fluid filter assembly 10. Asshown, the fluid filter assembly 10 is connected with a genericcomponent 50 of a filtration system. As some examples only, thecomponent 50 may be a reservoir or container that allows fluid flowingthrough a filtration system, such as in a combustion engine, to enterand collect in the reservoir 50 through an inlet 60 and travel to thefluid filter assembly 10. After filtration through the fluid filterassembly 10, the filtered fluid may exit the fluid filter assembly andtravel back to its respective system for use through outlet 58. Inanother example, the component 50 may be any valve cover that may beemployed in combustion engines, so as to allow engine lubrication oil tobe filtered and flow back into the system through the outlet 58. It willbe appreciated that the component 50 is shown for purposes ofillustrating an environment in which the fluid filter assembly 10 may beconnected to a filtration system. Any additional description of thecomponent 50 is for convenience and is not to be construed as a limitingcomponent of the fluid filter assembly 10.

The fluid filter assembly 10 includes a cover member 12 and a filtercartridge 14. The cover member 12 includes an inner housing volume so asto substantially enclose the filter cartridge 14. The cover member 12includes connecting members 13. The connecting members 13 are disposedabout a perimeter of the cover member 12. In one example, the connectingmembers may be a number of nut and bolt structures. The connectingmembers 13 are configured to connect the fluid filter assembly 10 to acomponent of a filtration system, such as component 50, and throughholes 11 of the cover member 12. (FIGS. 4A-C.)

It will be appreciated that the cover member 12 is not limited to thespecific structure shown, and may be constructed of any number of shapesand sizes so as to accommodate the particular application of the fluidfilter assembly 10. As one example, the cover member 12 may resemble andfunction as a breather cover, when the fluid filter assembly 10 is to beemployed in a typical crankcase breather ventilation filter system.Accordingly, the cover member 12 may take on various geometricconfigurations not limited to that shown in the Figures, as outlet 15may have various angles for allowing exit of flow gases, which will befurther described herein.

The filter cartridge 14 includes at least one filter element 16, 18 anda plate member 20. As shown, there are two filter elements 16, 18disposed on one side of the plate member 20. It will be appreciated thatthe filter assembly 10 is not limited to two filter elements, and moreor less filter elements may be used as desired and/or necessary. Itfurther will be appreciated that the filter elements are not limited tothe specific size and shape shown, as any number of shapes and sizes maybe employed as suitable and/or necessary for the particular applicationof the fluid filter assembly 10. For example, various heights of thefilter elements may be used and may be based on the need for 1) a tallerelement to a) provide further vertical drain height for oil, b) reducepressure drop and c) extend service intervals or the need for 2)clearances within the engine compartment which the fluid filter assemblyis used 10. For example, an air box in some known combustion enginesusually is in the way of the top side of the cover member 12 and thusthere may be a need for one filter element to be shorter in height downthan the other (i.e. filter element 16 is taller than filter element18). It further will be appreciated that clearance issues may arise withother engine components, and that the filter element and coverconfiguration may be modified as needed to address such issues, forexample with battery trays, brackets to alternators, the engine itself,etc.

In one embodiment, the filter elements 16, 18 are disposed on the sideof the plate member 20 that faces toward the inner volume of the covermember 12. As shown, when the plate member 20 is connected to the covermember 12, the filter elements 16, 18 are disposed between the platemember 20 and the cover member 12.

In one embodiment, the filter elements 16, 18 are configured withsuitable filter media to allow fluid to be filtered through inner sidesof the filter elements 16, 18 and into an outer area thereof. The filterelements 16, 18 both include an end plate 17, 19 that seals itsrespective filter element 16, 18, so as to direct flow through thesides. The filter media may be any material suitable to separate adesired fluid from a fluid flow entering the fluid filter assembly. Asone example in combustion engines, the filter media may be constructedso as to be suitable for separating fluid such as flow gases from oiland aerosol during oil filtration, and where the filtered oil exits thefluid filter assembly 10 for continued use in the engine and the flowgases exit as air such as to a turbo inlet duct.

In one embodiment, the plate member 20 includes two opposite majorsurfaces or sides. As described, the filter elements 16, 18 are disposedon one side or major surface of the plate member 20. The plate member 20includes a locating structure 28 disposed on the same side as where thefilter elements 16,18 are to be disposed. The locating structure isconfigured to surround a perimeter of the filter elements 16, 18, and isconfigured to allow the filter elements 16, 18 to be properly positionedand retained on the plate member 20. In one embodiment, the filerelements 16, 18 are secured and sealed to the plate member 20, such asby an adhesive, thermal plastic bonding, or other mechanical structureas known to one of skill in the art. In such a configuration, the entirefilter cartridge including the filter elements 16, 18 and plate member20 may be replaced.

As an alternative, it will be appreciated that the filter elements 16,18 may be removable from the plate member 20. In this configuration, thefilter elements 16, 18 would be disposable, while the plate member 20may be reused. It further will be appreciated that the plate member 20may also be disposable after one or more uses.

The plate member 20 may be molded plastic material that can be disposedafter use, or in the event the filter elements are removable then platemember 20 may be reusable. It will be appreciated, however, that thematerial employed for constructing the plate member 20 is not limited toa molded plastic material as other materials may also be suitable. Assome examples only, the plate member 20 may be constructed of a machinedmetal such as aluminum, or formed as a thermosetting plastic material.

At least one retention member 24 is disposed on one side of the platemember 20. The retention member 24 is configured to connect to anddisconnect from the cover member 12. When connected to the cover member12, the retention member 24 retains the filter cartridge in connectionwith the cover member and retains them in a sealing engagement, whichwill be further described herein. The retention member 24 is furtherconfigured to retain the seal between the cover member and the filtercartridge, independent any connecting or disconnecting operation of theconnecting members 13, and such as when the filter assembly 10 isremoved from a filtration system for servicing (i.e. component 50), andwhere the cover member 12 is to be disconnected using the connectingmembers 13.

As shown, two retention members 24 are shown on the plate member 20 onthe side the filter elements 16, 18 are disposed. It will be appreciatedthat one retention member or more than two retention members may beemployed as necessary and/or suitable, as long as the cover member 12can be retained with the filter cartridge when they are to be connected.

As further shown, the retention members 24 are extended portions havinga barbed end and a slot. The tapering configuration of the barbed endsallows the retention members 24 to be inserted into a correspondingconnecting structure 23 on the cover member 12, while the shoulder canretain a connection with the corresponding connection structure 23 ofthe cover member 12. As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting structure 23 isdisposed on the underside of the cover member 12 and is configured toreceive and connect to the retention members 24. In one embodiment, sucha configuration allows the retention members 24 to connect with thecover member 12 in a male/female engagement. The slots allow separateend portions of the barbed end to be moved toward each other, so thatthe shoulder engagement can be released from the cover member 12. Insuch as configuration, the retention members can be connected anddisconnected to the cover member 12. It will be appreciated that theretention members 24 are not limited to the specific structure shown,and the concept of the retention members may be accomplished employing avariety of structures. Some examples include, but are not limited to,various snap fit retentions, bolts and screws, self-tapping screws, orother fastening means suitable in the art.

Further locating structures 27, 29 are disposed within a perimeter oflocating structure 28. The locating structures 27, 29 are configured asprotrusions extending from the side of the plate member 20 where thefilter elements 16, 18 are disposed. The locating structures 27, 29 areinsertable into an inner space of its respective filter element 16, 18,such that an inner wall of its filter element 16, 18 covers the locatingstructure 27, 29. The locating structures 27, 29 include openings sothat filtered fluid can flow through one side of the plate member 20 tothe other side. (See FIGS. 4 and 7.)

A seal surface 22, 26 is disposed on each of the major surfaces of theplate member 20. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces 22, 26 aredisposed about the perimeter of the plate member 20 at their respectivesides.

Seal surface 22 is disposed on the side where the filter elements 16, 18are disposed. The seal surface 22 faces the cover member 12 when theplate member 20 is engaged with the cover member 12. The seal surface 22is configured to form a fluid tight seal with a seal surface 25 of thecover member 12. The seal surface 22 is configured to maintain its sealwith the seal surface 25 of the cover member 12 even when the filterassembly is disconnected from another component of a filtration system(e.g. component 50), and until the cover member 12 is to be disconnectedfrom the filter cartridge 14 or plate member 20.

Seal surface 26 is disposed on an opposite side that the filter elements16, 18 are disposed. The seal surface 26 faces away from the covermember 12, when the plate member 20 is engaged with the cover member 12.The seal surface 26 is configured to form a fluid tight seal with a sealsurface of another component of a filtration system, such as a containeror reservoir (e.g. component 50). In one example, seal surface 56 ofcomponent 50 can provide a suitable seal surface for the seal surface 26of the plate member 20 to engage, and thus seal the filter assembly 10to the component 50.

In one embodiment, the seal surfaces 22, 26 may be an overmold structureformed on the plate member 20. In yet another embodiment, the sealsurfaces 22, 26 are integrally molded seals formed on the plate member20. The seal surfaces 22, 26 may also be constructed as seal membersdisposed on the plate member, and may resemble rib-like structures orsquare-like gasket members. As shown for example in FIG. 4, the sealmembers are disposed in grooves of the plate member 20. The sealsurfaces 22, 26 may be constructed of a compressible material thatsuitably engages respective sealing surfaces of the cover member 12 andcomponent 50 in a fluid tight seal.

As some examples only, the material for the seal members may be anelastomeric material, such as formed from a thermosetting elastomer asliquid silicone rubber (LSR), a high consistency rubber (HCR), such asVamac, Viton, HNBR, ECO, nitrile, or the like. Other examples for theseal member material may also include but are not limited to athermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic silicone vulcanite(TPSiV) or an ethylene rubber mixed in a polypropylene matrix, or thelike. It will be appreciated that the material for the seal surfaces isnot limited as long as a suitable material is employed to achieve thedesired sealing function described.

With further reference to the component 50, the component 50 is shown asa container or reservoir that includes a volume capacity 52. Holes 54are provided to allow for the filter assembly 10 to be connected to thecomponent 50. As one example, the holes 54 allow for insertion of theconnecting members 13, so as to connect the filter assembly 10 with thecomponent 50. Likewise, the particular connecting member structure ofthe cover member 12 may be suitably modified to connect with such othercomponent (i.e. component 50). It further will be appreciated that theparticular structure of component 50 and its connective configurationwith the filter assembly is not limited to the specific structure shown.As discussed, the component 50 is meant to be construed as a genericcomponent of a filtration system for which the filter assembly 10 can beconnected to and disconnected from. As some examples, the component 50may be a structure resembling a reservoir, container, or sump, and mayalso be valve cover such as used in combustion engines for access to theoil filtration system.

In an instance where the component 50 is a container or reservoir, fluidthat enters the filter assembly 10 is filtered and separated throughfilter elements 16, 18, so that the liquid may collect in a reservoir 52of the component 50 and ultimately be allowed to exit the fluid filterassembly through outlet 58 and flow back to the respective system forwhich the fluid is used. Gases are separated and exit through a ventport 15. The operation of the fluid filter assembly with respect to thecomponent 50 is further described below.

In one operation of the fluid filter assembly, the assembly 10 may beemployed in an engine oil filtration system. In some cases, the fluidfilter assembly 10 described herein may be employed in such knowncombustion engines having turbo capability, and the assembly 10 may beused to separate air from liquid oil, aerosol, and mass particulate, sothat clean air may be delivered or “breathed” to an air inlet duct port,such as a turbo inlet duct.

Referring back to FIGS. 4A-C, the component 50 includes an inlet 60 thatallows fluid to enter the fluid filter assembly 10. In the example of anoil filtration system, the inlet 60 allows crankcase gases and liquid toenter the fluid filter assembly through an interface 21 of the platemember 20. In one embodiment, the interface 21 is formed as part of theplate member 20. The interface 21 includes at least one nozzle 62 toallow entry into the fluid filter assembly 10. In one embodiment, theinterface 21 is a conically shaped interface having at least one nozzle62. It will be appreciated that more than one nozzle 62 may be employedand it further will be appreciated that the interface 21 is not limitedto the specific structure shown. The interface 21 and nozzle structuremay be constructed with configurations other than the conically shapedconfiguration shown, as long as the interface 21 is a suitable matingstructure against the equipment (e.g. inlet 60 of component 50) it isengaging. In one embodiment, the interface 21 is a plastic structure asthe main body of the plate member 20 and is configured to mate withanother component (e.g. component 50) in a plastic on plastic sealingengagement. In an alternative embodiment, the interface 21 may beconfigured to include some space between the mated surfaces of theinterface and the wall surfaces of the inlet 60 of component 50. Thatis, the plastic to plastic interface may not be a liquid tight seal, butmay be if provided with a sealing or gasket material (not shown).

Fluid flowing through the inlet 60 and nozzle 62 may then flow throughthe slots 27 a and openings of the locating member 27 to the inner spaceof the filter element 16. In one embodiment, another filter media 66 maybe disposed between the nozzle 62 and slots 27 a, such that the fluid(e.g. oil material) encounters a first filtration before entering theinside space of the filter element 16. The filter media may be, but isnot limited to, a fibrous or foam material. Likewise, the nozzle 62facilitates a first separation phase of the oil material through impactagainst the filter media 66 after going through the nozzle, and which isfurther described below.

Some of the fluid not entering filter element 16 also travels throughopenings 64, around the inlet 60 and collects in the volume containingreservoir 52 of the component 50. Oil accumulated in the reservoir 52may travel through slots 29 a and the opening through the locatingmember 29, so as to enter the inner space of filter element 18.

The filter elements 16, 18 allow the oil material to go through a secondstage separation by filtration through the filter media of the filterelements. The liquid oil coalesces when being filtered through thefilter elements 16, 18. After being filtered through the filter elements16, 18, the coalesced oil may flow and exit through outlet hole 36 ofthe plate member 20. As shown, the coalesced oil flows through theoutlet hole 36 of the plate member 20 to an opening 58 a of a drain tube58. In one embodiment, an additional seal surface 26 a is included toseal off the drain tube and engage a surface on the component 50 in afluid tight sealing arrangement. FIG. 7 shows the seal surface 26 agenerally outlining a perimeter where the opening 36 is disposed.

The gases remaining in the fluid filter assembly 10, which have beenseparated from the liquid and mass oil material, exit the fluid filterassembly 10 through the vent port 15 as an air stream to an inlet ductport, for example a turbo inlet duct port. The vent port 15 is disposedon the cover member 12. The vent port 15 is an opening configured as aline connection to allow separated gases/air to exit and “breathe” outof the fluid filter assembly 10. As shown, port 15 is disposed on a sideof the cover member 12 and proximate a top cover surface thereof.

The first stage and second stage separations help to separate the oilfrom the crankcase gases so that generally clean air (i.e. free ofliquid oil, aerosol, or mass particulate flow) exits the vent port 15 ofthe fluid filter assembly 10. Such a configuration is useful forpreventing coking, for example in a turbo inlet duct port, by minimizingthe mass flow of oil and aerosol to the turbo inlet duct port. In apressurized oil filtration system, oil material enters the fluid filterassembly at its highest pressure, where the fluid pressure of the oilmaterial decreases after the first separation stage and decreases againafter the second separation stage (i.e. coalesced oil and release ofclean gases. The fluid filter assembly 10 as described is helpful forpreventing such coking of the turbo inlet duct port, which coulddetrimentally affect turbo compression efficiency.

As further shown, the plate member 20 includes a relief or spritzen tube32. In some instances, some oil collected in the reservoir 52 may beforced through the opening in the tube 32 due to the difference inpressure on the reservoir side of the plate member 20 relative to thefilter element side of the plate member 20. That is, after the firststage separation, where oil material collects in the reservoir 52, thepressure is higher on the reservoir side causing some oil to be forcedor spit out of the tube 32. In another embodiment, the plate member 20further includes a by-pass valve 30. As known in the art, the by-passvalve 30 allows for further flow relief, such as in the event the fluidfilter assembly 10 may become overpressurized during system operation.

FIG. 9 shows the fluid filter assembly 10 including another connectingstructure 33, 34 for connecting the cover member 12 and the plate member20. As shown, the connecting structure 34, 33 may be a hook and loopfastener respectively disposed on top surfaces of the end plates of thefilter elements and disposed on underside surfaces of the cover member(see phantom lines for 33). The hook and loop fasteners may be strips ofVelcro® disposed on the end plates of the filter elements and underneaththe cover member, such that they are arranged to mate together when thecover member 12 and plate member are engaged.

In a filter servicing operation, a filter assembly as described hereincan provide an ease of service that is cleaner and more efficient. Inone embodiment, a method of servicing includes removing the fluid filterassembly. The cover member is disconnected from the filter cartridge,and the filter cartridge including plate member and the filterelement(s) are replaced with a new filter cartridge having a new platemember and filter element(s). The cover member is connected to thefilter cartridge having the new filter element(s), and the filterassembly having the new filter element(s) is replaced in connection withthe filtration system (i.e. component 50). In the event that the filterelements are separable from the plate member, then the plate member maybe reused and new filter elements may used to replace the old ones.

Given the seal surfaces and retention members of the filter assemblydescribed above, the step of removing the filter assembly furtherincludes retaining a seal between the cover member and the filtercartridge, at least while the filter assembly is being removed from acomponent of the filtration system. The filter assembly described hereincan allow the cover member to be retained with the filter cartridge,while servicing occurs and until the cover member is removed from thefilter cartridge to access the filter element(s). In such a servicingmethod, fluid leakage and dripping through the sealing surfaces can beprevented or at least minimized, such as through the sides of the filterassembly. In one example of practical servicing of the fluid filterassembly in oil filtration applications, after the engine is shut downthe crankcase pressure (i.e. pressure in the component 50) decays tozero whether it is negative or positive relative to atmosphericpressure. After an elapsed amount of time from when a service personaccesses the fluid filter assembly for servicing, the crankcase pressureusually has decayed and most of the oil has drained from the fluidfilter assembly.

In another embodiment, a method of servicing a filter includes releasingthe seal between the filter cartridge and a component of the filtrationsystem, when the filter assembly is removed, and while retaining theseal between the cover and the filter cartridge. It will be appreciatedthat a force to remove the entire filter assembly is approximately 15lbs (i.e. 3.37 Newtons). It will further be appreciated that the filterassembly is disposed in an environment that is pressurized to about 2psi from the component (e.g. reservoir) to cover member. It will beappreciated that these force and pressurized values are merely exemplaryand may depend upon the durometer of the seal and on how the fluidfilter assembly is connected together, which may make the force more orless. Accordingly, it further will be appreciated that the fluid filterassembly can be suitably constructed and modified to accommodate otherforces for removal and pressurized conditions and depending on the meansit is connected together. After replacing the used filter element(s) andconnecting the cover member to the filter cartridge with the new filterelement(s), the cover member is in a sealing engagement with the filtercartridge through sealing surfaces of both the filter cartridge and thecover member. Replacing the filter assembly can further include sealingthe filter cartridge with the component of the filtration system.

The filter assembly described herein includes sealing and retentionfeatures, which are configured to retain a cover and filter cartridge atleast during removal of the filter assembly for servicing of a filterelement of the cartridge. The filter assembly described can beconstructed with a low profile to fit within existing spatialconstraints of an environment in which the filter assembly is to beused. For example, the filter assembly may have a low profile where anaspect ratio of height of the filter assembly divided by general lengthof the assembly (H/L) is less than 1 may satisfy a “low profile”configuration for this filter assembly design.

The sealing and retention features are configured to maintain a sealbetween sealing surfaces thereof, such that fluid dripping and leakagemay be minimized. Some benefits of such a fluid filter assembly caninclude providing a cleaner and more efficient method of servicing,where dripping and/or leakage can be prevented or at least minimized,and such that easier access can be obtained. In one example of engineoil filtration systems, where spatial constraints may cause difficultiesin servicing a filter, it may not be necessary to move surroundingcomponents such as an air filter housing to gain access to the filterassembly. As a result, cleaner service can occur that takes less time,while meeting the spatial constraints of an engine design.

The inventive concepts disclosed herein may be embodied in other formswithout departing from the spirit or novel characteristics thereof. Theembodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the invention isindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

We claim:
 1. A filter assembly of a filtration system comprising: afilter cartridge, the filter cartridge including: at least one filterelement configured to filter fluid therethrough and including a filtermedia surrounding an inner space of the at least one filter element withtwo open ends, the at least one filter element also includes an endplate that seals one of the two open ends of the at least one filterelement so as to direct flow from the inner space, through the filtermedia, to outside the at least one filter element; and a plate memberconnected to the at least one filter element; and a cover member, thecover member configured to cover the at least one filter element and theplate member when the cover member is engaged with the filter cartridge;wherein the at least one filter element is disposed entirely on a firstside of the plate member that faces the cover member when the filtercartridge is engaged with the cover member, the at least one filterelement is further disposed between the plate member and the covermember, the plate member includes a first seal surface disposed on thefirst side of the plate member, and a second seal surface disposed on asecond side of the plate member that faces away from the cover memberwhen the filter cartridge is engaged with the cover member, the firstseal surface is configured to seal with a seal surface of the covermember, and the second seal surface is configured to seal with anothercomponent of a filtration system, so as to at least minimize fluidleakage and dripping through the sealing surfaces during a servicingoperation; and wherein the filter cartridge is removable with the covermember during a service operation.
 2. The filter assembly of claim 1,further comprising at least one retention member disposed on the platemember, the at least one retention member extends upward from the firstside of the plate member and is located externally to the at least onefilter element, wherein the at least one retention member is configuredto connect and disconnect the filter cartridge to the cover member, toretain the filter cartridge to the cover member, and to retain a sealbetween the seal surfaces of the plate member and the cover member. 3.The filter assembly of claim 2, further comprising at least oneconnecting structure disposed on the cover member, wherein the at leastone connecting structure is configured to receive the at least oneretention member, connect to the at least one retention member, andretain the seal between the seal surfaces of the plate member and thecover member.
 4. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first sealsurface and the second seal surface are disposed on the plate memberproximate a perimeter of their respective sides.
 5. The filter assemblyof claim 1, wherein both the first seal surface and the second sealsurface are configured as overmolded structures disposed on the platemember, wherein the first and second seal surfaces are integrally moldedas part of the plate member.
 6. The filter assembly of claim 1, whereinthe first seal surface is compressible when the filter cartridge isengaged with the cover member, and the second seal surface iscompressible when the filter cartridge is engaged with another componentof a filtration system.
 7. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second seal surfaces are respectively disposed in grooveslocated on the first side and the second side of the plate member, suchthat the first and second seal surfaces are disposed on opposite majorsurfaces of the plate member.
 8. The filter assembly of claim 1, whereinthe plate member further comprises a locating structure, wherein thelocating structure is configured to allow the at least one filterelement to be properly positioned and retained on the plate member. 9.The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover member is configuredto receive fluid to be filtered through the filter assembly, and thefilter cartridge is configured to filter fluid through the at least onefilter element and allow filtered fluid to exit the filter assembly. 10.A filter cartridge comprising; at least one filter element includingfilter media surrounding an inner space of the at least one filterelement with two open ends, the at least one filter element alsoincluding an end plate that seals one of the two open ends of the atleast one filter element so as to direct flow from the inner space,through the filter media, to outside the at least one filter element;and a plate member connected to the at least one filter element, whereinthe at least one filter element is disposed entirely on a first side ofthe plate member, a first seal surface is disposed on the first side ofthe plate member, and a second seal surface is disposed on a second sideof the plate member which is opposite the first side of the platemember, the first seal surface is configured to seal with a component ofa filtration system, and the second seal surface is configured to sealwith a different component of the filtration system.
 11. The filtercartridge of claim 10, further comprising at least one retention memberdisposed on the plate member, wherein the at least one retention memberextends upward from the first side of the plate member and is locatedexternally to the at least one filter element, and the at least oneretention member is configured to retain the filter cartridge to aseparate cover member and to retain a seal between the plate member andthe cover member.
 12. The filter cartridge of claim 10, wherein thefirst seal surface and the second seal surface are respectively disposedin grooves located on the first side and the second side of the platemember and proximate a perimeter of their respective sides.
 13. Thefilter cartridge of claim 10, wherein both the first and the second sealsurfaces are configured as overmolded structures disposed on the platemember, the first and second seal surfaces are integrally molded as partof the plate member, and the first and second seal surfaces arecompressible when the filter cartridge is engaged to other components ofthe filtration system.
 14. The filter cartridge of claim 10, wherein theplate member further comprises a locating structure, wherein thelocating structure is configured to allow the at least one filterelement to be properly positioned and retained on the plate member. 15.A seal plate for a filter assembly comprising: a planar member includingtwo opposite major surfaces, wherein one of the major surfaces includesa seal member disposed proximate to a perimeter thereof, the other ofthe two major surfaces includes a seal member disposed proximate to aperimeter thereof, one seal member is configured to seal with a separatecover member, and the other seal member is configured to seal with acomponent of a filtration system; and at least one retention memberdisposed on the planar member, wherein the at least one retention memberextends upward from a first side of the planar member and is externallyto a filter element when the filter element is connected to the planarmember, and the at least one retention member is configured to connectand disconnect the seal plate to the separate cover member, retain theseal plate to the separate cover member, and to retain a seal betweenthe planar member and the separate cover member through one of the sealmembers.